The Paladin's Nightmare

He awakens in pain. His body aches. There is a bright light shining directly in his face, rendering it impossible to see into the gloom surrounding him. A familiar voice begins to speak.

"Ah. You are awake, then. Good. They certainly did a number on you, didn't they? You were lucky you were brought to me in time...the damage was extensive, particularly the injury done to...your arm."

He realizes he restrained. He wants to turn his head, move his arms, jump up from the table and run as fast as his legs could carry him...but each movement brings a thousand jolts of pins and needles. The leather straps affixing his body to the table creak as they hold him firm. There is a brief bout of laughter from the darkness.

"I distinctly remember warning you not to meddle in affairs that did not concern you. All of this could have been avoided, if only...ah, but it's too late for regrets now. A shame about that arm, though. No, don't look. Any ordinary physician would have looked at it, and suggested only one course for the damage inflicted."

There's a heart-stopping pause. He suddenly realizes that he has no feeling in his right arm past the elbow.

"Amputation."

Silvery, mocking laughter comes from the darkness as the words sink in.

"Don't struggle so. You are fortunate. I am, as you have guessed, no ordinary physician. My study of necromancy has afforded me...options, at which other, lesser doctors would balk. Options of which you have become a beneficiary. No, don't look. Not yet. But rest assured, I have not needed to resort to base amputation to save your limb."

There is movement. The voice comes closer, is now centered over his head. Hands move, unfastening the restraints that keep his neck from turning.

"Now, I hope you take this lesson to heart. And remember, always remember, that you are, after a fashion, fully functional and whole due to my efforts. That I would do as much for any who came under my care. There are so many who now walk who would have died without my...treatment. Remember this, now and forever. And remember that they all owe me a debt. Just as you now do."

"You may look now."

He turns, and looks at his arm, and sees--